Orthobiologic Procedures

Core orthobiologic procedures for dogs in the UK are regenerative medicine therapies designed to treat musculoskeletal conditions, such as osteoarthritis, ligament injuries, and joint dysplasia, by promoting tissue healing rather than just managing pain. These procedures are increasingly popular as a non-invasive or minimally invasive alternative to major surgery.

 

Key procedures offered at UK specialists:

1. Mesenchymal Stem Cell Therapy (MSCs) 

  • Procedure: Stem cells are typically harvested from the dog’s adipose tissue (fat) via a surgical procedure or, more recently, through a ready-to-use formulation. These cells are often cultured in a laboratory for several weeks to increase their numbers before being injected into the joint (intra-articular injection) under sedation.
  • Applications: Highly effective for osteoarthritis (stifle, elbow, hip), cartilage defects, and slow-healing fractures.
  • Advantage: Autologous stem cells (from the patient) carry no risk of rejection.2. Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP)
  • Procedure: A blood sample is taken from the dog and centrifuged to concentrate platelets, which are rich in growth factors, into a small volume of plasma. This concentrated serum is injected into the affected joint or soft tissue.
  • Applications: Used for arthritis, tendinopathies (e.g., supraspinatus), ligament injuries (e.g., cruciate injuries), and post-surgical tissue repair.
  • Key Systems: Some UK practices use validated systems like PurePRP, which are specifically designed to concentrate growth factors while removing harmful inflammatory white blood cells.

2. Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP)

  • Procedure: A blood sample is taken from the dog and centrifuged to concentrate platelets, which are rich in growth factors, into a small volume of plasma. This concentrated serum is injected into the affected joint or soft tissue.
  • Applications: Used for arthritis, tendinopathies (e.g., supraspinatus), ligament injuries (e.g., cruciate injuries), and post-surgical tissue repair.
  • Key Systems: Some UK practices use validated systems like PurePRP, which are specifically designed to concentrate growth factors while removing harmful inflammatory white blood cells

3. Autologous Protein Solution (APS / nStride)

  • Procedure: A newer form of regenerative therapy often referred to as "nStride." It involves processing the dog's blood to create a high concentration of anti-inflammatory cytokines and growth factors.
  • Applications: Primarily used for treating arthritis, with studies suggesting it can provide pain relief for up to two years.
  • Advantage: Often used for its potent, immediate anti-inflammatory effect after surgery.

4. Combination Therapy

Procedure: Many specialist clinics often combine stem cell treatments with PRP for a synergistic effect—using stem cells to repair tissue and PRP to reduce inflammation and accelerate healing.

Common Conditions Treated

  • Osteoarthritis: Stifle, elbow, shoulder, hip, and carpus/tarsus joints.
  • Soft Tissue Injuries: Tendonitis, iliopsoas strains, medial shoulder syndrome, and ligament ruptures.
  • Joint Conditions: Elbow dysplasia and OCD (osteochondritis dissecans)

Ripley's experience:

PRP / Stem Cell Therapy